Oil field system data recorder for failure reconstruction

ABSTRACT

A plurality of inputs from an oil field system is monitored. It is determined that a failure in the oil field system has occurred. In response, a mechanical release mechanism to release an apparatus is triggered. A remote signal is provided to report a subset of the inputs to a remote location as the processor is monitoring the signal inputs. A memory stores the inputs. An output is provided through which the stored inputs can be extracted to analyze the failure in the oil field system.

BACKGROUND

Oil field system failures are sometimes catastrophic and result in thecomplete destruction of the system. In addition, the personnel workingon such an oil field system when such a failure occurs are sometimeskilled or injured so that they are unavailable afterwards to helpreconstruct the events that led to the failure. In addition, the intensescrutiny that sometimes follows such a failure may cause such personnel,either intentionally or unintentionally, to remember events differentlythan they actually occurred. Reconstruction such failures is importantto avoid making the same mistakes in the use of future oil fieldsystems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a black box.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan for an oil field system.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of this application, an oil field system is defined tobe a drilling rig (on shore or off shore), a production rig, a workoverrig (wireline, coiled tubing (wired or unwired)), or any other similarsystem. While many of the examples described in this application relateto offshore rigs, it will be understood that the techniques andapparatuses described herein could be used on any oil field system.

In one embodiment, an oil field system data recorder (or “black box” or“apparatus”) is a secure repository that records detailed activity inthe oil field system in the form of data generated by sensors, cameras,microphones (including those recording discussions taking place duringdecision-making meetings), and data considered useful in evaluating thehealth status of the oil field system and associated systems. Inparticular, in one embodiment, the black box records sufficientinformation to reconstruct or reenact catastrophic failures, fires, blowouts, etc. that the oil field system might experience.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 1, the black box is aself-contained apparatus 100 that is engineered to survive fire, heat,explosion, and water submersion. In one embodiment, the black box is anenclosure that satisfies one or more of the standards set by TheAssociation of Electrical and Medical Imaging Equipment Manufacturers(“NEMA”) for enclosures.

In one embodiment, the black box 100 includes a primary power source105, such as a standard power supply. In one embodiment, the primarypower source 105 receives power from the oil field system 110 in theform of line voltage, such as 110 VAC 60 Hz power. In one embodiment,the primary power source 105 receives power from another source, such asa solar panel, a wind mill, a power source using power generated by themotion of waves, or a similar source.

In one embodiment, the black box 100 includes a battery backup system115. In one embodiment, the battery backup system 115 is charged by theprimary power source 105 using techniques necessary to prolong the lifeof any battery included in the battery backup system 115. In oneembodiment, the battery-life-prolonging techniques are practiced by thebattery backup system 115 in addition to, or instead of, the primarypower source 105. In one embodiment, the battery backup system 115includes circuitry to recognize a failure in the primary power source105 and transition the load of the black box 100 to the battery backupsystem 115.

In one embodiment, the black box 100 includes a processor 120. Theprocessor 120 can be a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmablelogic array, or any other similar device that is capable of controllingthe other components in the black box 100.

In one embodiment, the black box 100 includes a memory 125. In oneembodiment, the memory includes random access memory (“RAM”),programmable read only memory (“PROM”), erasable programmable read onlymemory (“EPROM”), flash memory, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, orany other type of memory. In one embodiment, the memory includes adigital recorder, a flash memory, a dynamic memory, and/or a mag memory(e.g., magnetic tape).

In one embodiment, the processor 120 communicates with the memory 125and with other components in the black box 100 through a bus or busses130 that allows the processor to selectively communicate with componentsin the black box 100.

In one embodiment, the black box 100 includes a global positioningsystem antenna, receiver, and decoder (“GPS”) 135 that receives signalsfrom the Global Positioning System satellites and uses those signals tolocate the black box on the earth's surface. In one embodiment, theprocessor 120 receives position reports from the GPS 135 via the bus 130and records those reports, thereby maintaining a “track” of the locationof the black box over a period of time.

In one embodiment, an input device 140 conditions input signals receivedfrom the oil field system for presentation to the processor 120. In oneembodiment, the input device 140 has a connection to the processor 120that is separate from the bus 130. In one embodiment (not shown), theinput device 140 communicates with the processor 120 through the bus130.

In one embodiment, the input device 140 accepts signals not limited tothe following formats:

-   -   Wellsite Information Transfer Specification (“WITS”) (levels 0        through 4), including the option to accept encrypted data;    -   Controller-area network (“CAN” or “CAN-bus”);    -   The formats associated with other standard rig busses, such as        Profibus, Modbus, and OPC;    -   IEEE 802.11 (wireless);    -   video (digital and/or analog);    -   audio (digital and/or analog);    -   telephone calls, and    -   other similar formats.

In one embodiment, the input device 140 converts the signal or signals,which can be received via a wire, fiber, wirelessly, via radio, via atelephone connection, or via a connection to a cellular network, intodata that can be accepted by the processor 120 and provides the resultsto the processor either directly as shown in FIG. 1, or by way of thebus 130. In one embodiment, the input device 140 transmits all data thatit receives from the oil field system 110 to the processor 120. In oneembodiment, the input device 140 selects some data for transmission tothe processor 120. In one embodiment, the input device 140 summarizesdata before transmitting it to the processor 120. In one embodiment, theinput device 140 passes raw data to the processor 120 and anysummarization is performed by the processor 120.

In one embodiment, the input device 140 samples the signals from the oilfield system 110 with the sample rate for each signal being set by theprocessor 120. In one embodiment, the processor 120 recognizes stages,including “failure stages” of the oil field system 110 based on the dataprovided by the input device 140. For example, in one embodiment, theprocessor recognizes four stages of operation, although additionalstages of operation are envisioned:

-   -   “Normal operation”—the sampled data indicates that the systems        being monitored are operating within their normal operating        parameters;    -   “Non-critical failure”—a failure not critical to the operation        of the oil field system 100, such as a failure in a mud analysis        system, has occurred;    -   “Critical failure”—a failure critical to the operation of the        oil field system 110, such as failure of the mud circulation        system, has occurred; and    -   “Total failure”—a failure that threatens the health of the rig,        such as an explosion that destroys the control room, has        occurred.

In one embodiment, the processor controls the rate the input device 140samples the signals from the oil field system depending, at least inpart, on the stage of operation the oil field system 110 is currentlyin. For example, in normal operation, in one embodiment the processor120 only records audio from the control room when a voice or voices canbe detected on the audio. In the critical failure mode, in oneembodiment the processor records the audio continuously. Similarly, inthe normal mode of operation, in one embodiment the processor samplesdownhole pressure once every 10 seconds. In the critical failure mode ofoperation, in one embodiment the processor samples downhole pressureonce every second.

In one embodiment, the black box 100 includes software that is stored onthe memory 125 and executed by the processor 120. In one embodiment, thesoftware includes a process that prevents the original format of thesampled form of one of the inputs that is stored in memory from beingmodified. In one embodiment, this process operates similarly to aconfiguration management tool, in that it maintains a record of theformat of data as it is received and prevents the modification of theformat of that data by anyone other than a person with the properprivileges. This process also maintains a record of the people that havemade such modifications or have attempted such modifications.

In one embodiment, the software includes a voice recognition processthat accepts an audio signal containing a voice signal and executes analgorithm to identify the speaker from a set of known speakers. In oneembodiment, the memory contains a set of speaker voice recognitionprofiles created as personnel arrive at the oil field system 110. In oneembodiment, a newly arriving person is asked to speak into a microphonewhen he or she first arrives at the oil field system and the voicerecognition profile is created based on that interaction.

In one embodiment, one audio input to the input device 140 is from amicrophone or microphones through which personnel can comment on theprocedures being followed on the oil field system, other personnel,other companies, vendors, or any other topic the speaker feels is worthyof comment. The processor 120 stores a digitized version of thesecomments along with the identity of the speaker, which in one embodimentis determined by the voice recognition process, in the memory 125.

In one embodiment, an audio input to the input device 140 is from thepublic address system that personnel use in the oil field system 110 tomake announcements regarding the status of operations on the oil fieldsystem 110 or to give directions to accomplish oil field system 110tasks. The processor 120 stores a digitized version of thesecommunications along with the identity of each speaker, which in oneembodiment is determined by the voice recognition process, in the memory125.

In one embodiment, microphones and cameras are distributed around theoil field system 110 work areas. Signals from these microphones andcameras are inputs to the input device 140. The processor 120 stores adigitized version of these signals, along with the identity of speakerswhere they can be determined by the voice recognition process, in thememory 125.

In one embodiment, the input device receives data from:

-   -   voice/sound recordings, such as from the public exchange (“PBX”)        public address system on a rig or voice memo records from a rig        control room or other location on the rig, such as:        -   voice conversations between a company man (i.e., a            representative of an operating or exploration company on the            rig), one of the rig contractors, and any vendors, regarding            a decision concerning the operation of the rig;        -   morning reports or other similar reports;    -   video from feeds on the rig;    -   status checks against a plan (i.e., an indication, such as a        check list, of progress against a plan);    -   drilling data from sensors on the rig, such as:        -   drilling parameters;        -   mud systems;        -   mud properties;        -   drilling systems;        -   alarm status on the rig;        -   gas detection devices;        -   Kelly height and depth of drill string;        -   drill string configuration;        -   blow out preventer (“BOP”) status and BOP status in a            series;        -   formation properties;        -   riser information;        -   well position information; and        -   information regarding rotating machinery;    -   streaming BOP data (i.e., information gathered directly from the        BOP or downhole systems);    -   Sensors mounted on well casing, tubular, drill sting, and any        other down hole sensor, connected to the surface through wires,        fiber, or through wireless transmissions;    -   riser positioning data;    -   information, for example from a radar system, regarding the        positions of boats, ships, or other vessels in the vicinity of        the rig and especially in an exclusion zone around the rig; and    -   data regarding mechanical machinery or rotating data from        engines, turbines, tensioning leg information, and data and        information from a control room.

For example, in one embodiment used on a drilling rig, the processor 120has access to and can execute the MAXACTIVITY™ rig floor activitymonitoring software available from the assignee of this application, orother similar software. The MAXACTIVITY software tracks and times rigfloor activities such as trips in and out of the rig's bore hole,circulating, drilling, and connection operations based on rig floorsensor information collected through the input device 140. In oneembodiment, the MAXACTIVITY software can be run on real-time orhistorical data, can export data to a spreadsheet program, allows usersto override or edit data, produces reports concerning rig operations,and can export data to, for example, the remote system 155 through theremote system interface 160.

In one embodiment, MAXACTIVITY collects the following sensor data:

-   -   Drlg Rotary (on bottom drilling and rotating);    -   Drlg Sliding (on bottom drilling with a motor, not rotating        drill string);    -   TIH String (tripping in hole);    -   POH String (pulling out of hole);    -   TIH in Casing (tripping in hole with casing);    -   POH in Casing (pulling out of hole with casing);    -   TIH Connection (tripping in hole with connection);    -   POH Connection (pulling out of hole with connection);    -   TIH BHA Conn (tripping in hole with bottom hole assembly);    -   POH BHA Conn (pulling out of hole with bottom hole assembly);    -   TIH in CSG Conn (tripping in hole with casing connection);    -   POH in CSG Conn (pulling out of hole with casing connection);    -   TIH Wash Down (tripping in hole while washing down);    -   POH Ream Up (pulling out of hole with reaming);    -   POH Ream Down Up (pulling out of hole and reaming up and down);    -   TIH Wash Down (tripping in hole while washing down);    -   TIH Ream Up (tripping in hole while reaming up);    -   TIH Ream Down (tripping in hole while reaming down);    -   POH Wash Up (pulling out of hole while washing up);    -   POH (pulling out of hole);    -   TIH BHA (tripping in hole with bottom hole assembly);    -   POH BHA (pulling out of hole with bottom hole assembly);    -   Drlg Ream Up (drilling and reaming up);    -   Drlg Ream Down (drilling and reaming down);    -   Drlg Connection (drilling but stopped to make a connection);    -   Deviation Survey (pulsing data from a survey instrument in the        BHA);    -   Drlg Circ Post Conn (drilling with circulation after a        connection);    -   TIH Circ (tripping in hole while circulating);    -   POH Circ (pulling out of how while circulating);    -   Drlg Circ (drilling while circulating);    -   Unknown    -   Rig Repair (any condition in which the rig is stopped for        repair);    -   Service Rig (rig repair under way);    -   Cut Slip Drill Line (drilling string being lifted and lowered to        use new cable on draw works);    -   Cementing (well is being cemented); Nipple up BOP's (connecting        blow out preventer at well head);    -   Testing BOP's (testing blow out preventer);    -   Press Integrity TST (casing pressure test);    -   Drill Stem Test (test drill string after penetrating a plug;        checking to see if a well zone will produce);    -   Fishing (fishing equipment from the well);    -   Measure After Drilling (running measurement while drilling).

In one embodiment, health monitoring systems of a drilling rig, such assystems monitoring well string vibration, weight on bit (“WOB”), rate ofpenetration (“ROP”), pressure, and the like, are given priority and aresampled and processed at higher priorities than other inputs to theinput device 140.

In one embodiment, the processor 120 selects portions of the data itreceives from the input device 140, processes it, and stores it in thememory 125. In one embodiment, the stored data provides a record of thedata received. In one embodiment, the stored data is sufficient toreconstruct faults that occur on the oil field system 110.

In one embodiment, the data stored in the memory 125 is periodicallyoverwritten on a first-in-first-out (“FIFO”). In one embodiment, a planis being monitored as discussed below. In one embodiment, as eachplanned milestone is accomplished, the data associated with thatmilestone is decimated, leaving enough data that essential data can begathered and interrogated to evaluate primary conditions, i.e.,conditions that are sufficient to understand the state of the well.

In one embodiment, some or all of the data collected regarding criticaloperations, such as pressure tests, and the like, are encrypted.

In one embodiment, the processor provides data sufficient to reconstructfaults through an analysis interface 145 to a failure analysis system150. In one embodiment, the failure analysis system 50 is able to selectthe data to receive by interacting with the processor 120 through theanalysis interface 145. In one embodiment, the failure analysis system150 is outside the black box 100.

In one embodiment, data collected through the input device 140 isforwarded to a remote system 155 through a remote system interface 160.In one embodiment, data is forwarded to the remote system 155 duringnormal operations, which allows the remote system to replicate theprocessing being performed by the processor 120.

In one embodiment, a dashboard interface 165 provides a real-time viewof the data being collected to the oil field system 110. In oneembodiment, the oil field system 110 includes a screen that illustratesthe current status of the oil field system 110 according to the blackbox 100. In one embodiment, the real-time view of the data that isprovided through dashboard interface 165 includes an identification ofproblems that the black box 100 perceives.

In one embodiment, the black box 100 is mechanically coupled to the oilfield system in normal operations. In one embodiment, the black box 100includes a mechanical release mechanism 170 that releases the black box100 from the oil field system 110. In one embodiment, the purpose of therelease caused by the mechanical release mechanism is to allow the blackbox 100 to move a distance away from the oil field system 110 in theevent that the oil field system 110 is undergoing a catastrophic failurethat might destroy the black box 100 if it is left in its attachedposition.

In one embodiment, the mechanical release mechanism 170 is a simplerelease that simply drops the black box 100 from the oil field system110 into, for example, the sea. In one embodiment, the mechanicalrelease mechanism 170 is a launching device that launches the black box100 away from the oil field system using an explosive device, a rocket,or a large spring.

In one embodiment, the black box 100 continues to record data until themechanical release mechanism 170 is activated or the black box 100 isotherwise released from the oil field system 110. In one embodiment,even after the black box 100 is released it maintains a connection tothe oil field system 110 through a tether, such as a wire, fiber, orwireless connection. In one embodiment, the tether is on a spool that isattached to the black box 100 or to the oil field system 110 and paysout as the black box 100 moves away from the oil field system. In oneembodiment, the black box 100 has a way to sever or otherwise releasethe tether if the black box 100 is no longer receiving data from the oilfield system 110, the tether is fully extended, or some other similarevent occurs.

In one embodiment, the processor 120 uses the data stored in the memoryto detect such catastrophic events and, when they occur, actuates themechanical release mechanism 170. In one embodiment, the mechanicalrelease mechanism can be activated in one of the following ways:

-   -   manual activation:        -   a selector, such as a push-button switch, is provided in a            control room or in the vicinity of the black box 100, that            overrides the processor 120 and causes the black box 100 to            be released or jettisoned from the oil field system 110;        -   a mechanical apparatus for overriding the mechanical release            mechanism 170 to cause the black box 100 to be released or            jettisoned from the oil field system 110;    -   water activation:        -   a detector (not shown) on the black box 100 detects that the            detector (and therefore the black box 100) is submerged and            activates the mechanical release mechanism;    -   jettison activation:        -   the processor 120 detects problems with water, gas, heat,            fire, severe shock or vibration by monitoring signals            through the input device 140 and triggers the mechanical            release mechanism 170;    -   gas activation:        -   the processor 170 detects a gas event, such as a sudden            surge in pressure in the well bore, and triggers the            mechanical release on that basis.

In one embodiment, the black box 100 includes a beacon 175, such as aradio transmitter, that transmits a beacon signal that allows the blackbox 100 to be located by searchers, for example, after the mechanicalrelease mechanism has been activated and it has been released from theoil field system 110. In one embodiment, the beacon signal includes astatus message conveying information concerning the event that causedthe black box 100 to be released. In one embodiment, the beacon 175 isautomatically activated upon the occurrence of one of the activationevents described above.

In one embodiment, the beacon 175 and memory 125 are part of a separatemodule 180 within the black box 100. In one embodiment, the batterybackup system 115 is included in the module 180. In one embodiment, thebeacon 175 has its own battery. In one embodiment, the beacon's batteryis charged by the primary power source 105 or by the battery backupsystem 115. In one embodiment, module 180 is the only part of the blackbox 100 that is jettisoned from the oil field system when the mechanicalrelease mechanism 170 is activated.

In one embodiment, upon detecting a condition that either will or mightcause the black box to be released from the oil field system, theprocessor 120 initiates a power decay tree, in which the processorautomatically, for example through the dashboard interface 165, turnsoff successively less important sensors. In one embodiment, for example,a set of high importance sensors (i.e., last to be turned off) includespublic address system sensors, microphone sensors, BOP status sensors,riser sensors, and well position sensors. In one embodiment, forexample, a set of medium importance sensors (i.e., turned off after thelow importance sensors but before the high importance sensors) includesstandpipe pressure sensors, sensors monitoring the flow of mud in andout of the well, engine sensors, and temperature sensors. In oneembodiment, for example, a set of low importance sensors (i.e., thefirst set of sensors to be turned off), includes gamma ray resistivitysensors, survey sensors, and drilling parameter sensors. In oneembodiment, the battery backup system 115 performs some or all of thepower decay tree functionality.

In one embodiment, the location of the black box 100 on the oil fieldsystem 110 is chosen to enhance its survivability. For example, in oneembodiment, the black box 100 is mounted on the oil field system's liferafts. In one embodiment, the black box 100 is located a sufficientdistance away from the oil field system 110 that it is unlikely to beaffected by any failures of the oil field system 110 while still beingconnected to the oil field system 110 either wirelessly or through atether, as described above.

In one embodiment, illustrated in FIG. 2, the black box 100 maintains aplan for the oil field system 110 to follow, tracks actual progressagainst the plan, and reports deviations from the plan to the oil fieldsystem 110 through the dashboard interface and, in one embodiment, tothe remote system 155 through the remote system interface 160. In FIG.2, the plan is shown on the left side of the page and the actual isshown on the right side of the page.

In one embodiment, the plan includes milestones, labeled Milestone 1through Milestone M, although only Milestone N−1, Milestone N, andMilestone N+1 are shown. The milestones are represented in FIG. 2 bydiamond-shaped symbols. Each milestone is broken down into tasks. Forexample, in FIG. 2 Milestone N includes 4 tasks: Task N:1, Task N:2,Task N:3, and Task N:4. Milestone N+1 includes 3 tasks: Task N+1:1, TaskN+1:2, and Task N+1:3. Milestone N+2 (not shown) includes at least taskN+2:1. Other Milestone N+2 tasks are not shown because they are outsidethe timeframe shown in FIG. 2. Similarly, the task or tasks included inMilestone N−1 are outside the timeframe shown in FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, milestones that have not yet been completed arerepresented on the “plan” side of FIG. 2 by black diamond-shapedsymbols. Completed milestones are indicated on the “actual” side of FIG.2 by circles around the black diamond-shaped symbols. In the exampleshown in FIG. 2, Milestones N−1 and Milestone N have been completed.

In one embodiment, uncompleted tasks are represented on both sides ofFIG. 2 by dashed boxes and completed tasks are shown on the “actual”side of FIG. 2 by solid-lined boxes. Thus, in the example shown in FIG.2, Task N:1, Task N:2, Task N:3, and Task N:4 are completed and TaskN+1:1 is incomplete and presumably underway.

In one embodiment, data collected during each task is associated witheach task. This is represented in FIG. 2 by solid-lined boxes to theleft of each task. For example, Data N:1 is associated with Task N:1,Data N:2 is associated with Task N:2, Data N:3 is associated with TaskN:3, and Data N+1:1 is associated with Task N+1:1, etc. Similarly, eachtask has associated with it “expected data” represented on the “plan” bya solid box to the left of the task box. Thus, Task N:1 has anassociated Expected Data N:1, etc. In one embodiment, not all tasks haveexpected data and not all tasks have collected data.

It will be understood that tasks can be divided into sub-tasks, forexample, and into even finer levels of detail. It will also beunderstood that milestones can be grouped into super-milestones, forexample and even greater levels of summary.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 2, the tasks and milestones areall shown occurring serially for simplicity. It will be understood thatsome tasks and milestones can run in parallel.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, it can be seen that Task N+1:1 has notcompleted in the planned time. That is, the dashed box for Task N+1:1 onthe “actual” side of FIG. 2 extends beyond the end of the dashed box forTask N+1:1 on the “plan” side of FIG. 2. In one embodiment, theprocessor 120 detects this deviation and reports it to the oil fieldsystem 110 through the dashboard interface 165. In one embodiment, theprocessor 120 reports the deviation to the remote system 165 through theremote system interface 160.

Further, in one embodiment, the processor 120 compares some or all ofthe data collected during each task to data that was expected duringthat task. In one embodiment, the processor 120 compares the datacollected during a task (e.g., Data N:1) to the data that was expectedto be collected when the plan was created (e.g., Expected Data N:1). Inone embodiment, the processor reports significant deviations of thecollected data from the expected data to the oil field system 110through the dashboard interface 165. In one embodiment, the processorreports such data deviations to the remote system 165 through the remotesystem interface 160. In one embodiment, the significance of thedeviation necessary to report the deviation to the oil field system 110and/or to the remote system 165 is included in the definition of theexpected data. For example, the plan may specify that the rate ofpenetration (“ROP”) during Task N:3 should be 1 meter per minute andthat deviations away from this number by more than one half meter perminute should be reported.

In one embodiment, the information shown in FIG. 2 is, in whole or inpart, shown in the dashboard view provided through the dashboardinterface 165 (FIG. 1). In one embodiment, the dashboard view is colorcoordinated. In one embodiment, for example, parts of the plan that areon schedule or that are being performed according to plan are shown ingreen. In one embodiment, for example, parts of the plan that are not onschedule or that are not being performed according to plan but that arestill within threshold limits of deviation from the plan are shown inyellow. In one embodiment, for example, parts of the plan that are noton schedule or that are not being performed according to plan and thatare outside threshold limits of deviation from the plan are shown inred.

In one embodiment of use, illustrated in FIG. 3, the black box (or“releasable apparatus”) 100, which is attached to the oil field system,receives an oil field system signal (block 305). In one embodiment, theblack box 100 digitizes the oil field system signal to produce adigitized signal (block 310). In one embodiment, the black box 100stores the digitized signal in a memory (e.g., memory 125) in the blackbox 100 (block 315). In one embodiment, the black box 100 forwards thedigitized signal to a location remote (e.g., remote system 155) from theoil field system 110 (block 320). In one embodiment, the black box 100determines from the digitized signal that a failure in the oil fieldsystem 110 has occurred and, in response, is released (or releasesitself) from the oil field system 110 (block 325). In one embodiment,the black box 100 is retrieved (block 330). In one embodiment, thedigitized signal is extracted from the memory in the black box 100(block 335). In one embodiment, the digitized signal is used to analyzethe failure in the oil field system (block 340).

The text above describes one or more specific embodiments of a broaderinvention. The invention also is carried out in a variety of alternateembodiments and thus is not limited to those described here. Theforegoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention hasbeen presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It isnot intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the preciseform disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in lightof the above teaching. It is intended that the scope of the invention belimited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claimsappended hereto.

1. An apparatus comprising: a plurality of inputs to receive signalsfrom an oil field system that the apparatus is monitoring; a processorto: monitor the inputs; determine that a failure in the oil field systemhas occurred and, in response, trigger a mechanical release mechanism torelease the apparatus; a remote signal output to report a subset of theinputs to a remote location as the processor is monitoring the signalinputs; a memory to store the inputs; and an output through which thestored inputs can be extracted to analyze the failure in the oil fieldsystem.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a primary powersource; and a battery backup system which is charged by the primarypower source.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein: the processor tosample the inputs; the processor to recognize a plurality of stages offailure of the oil field system based on the inputs; and the processorto sample the signal inputs at rates associated with each of theplurality of stages of failure.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: a data protection system to prevent an original format ofthe one of the inputs stored in the memory from being modified.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the memory to store a plan thatis to be followed with respect to the oil field system; the plancomprising a milestone, the accomplishment of which can be identified bythe processor using a milestone subset of the stored inputs; theprocessor, upon determining that the milestone has been met, to decimatea subset of the stored inputs, to leave enough data in the decimateddata from which a primary set of conditions of the oil field system canbe evaluated.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: the memoryto store a plan that is to be followed by the oil field system; the plancomprising a milestone, the accomplishment of which can be identified bythe processor using a milestone subset of the stored inputs; themilestone subset of the stored inputs comprising: a voice input throughwhich a speaker's comment regarding progress toward completion of themilestone can be: accepted; digitized; stored in the memory; and voicerecognized to identify the speaker.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: the memory to store a plan that is to be followed by the oilfield system; the plan comprising a milestone, the accomplishment ofwhich can be identified by the processor using a milestone subset of thestored inputs; the milestone subset of the stored inputs comprising: avoice input through which a public address system can be accepted,digitized, and stored in the memory.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising: the memory to store a plan that is to be followed by the oilfield system; the plan comprising: a milestone; a task, theaccomplishment of which can be identified using a milestone subset ofthe stored inputs, to be accomplished to achieve the milestone; adeadline by which the task is to be accomplished; the processor tomonitor the milestone subset of stored inputs to determine that the taskhas not been accomplished by the deadline and, in response, to providean alert through an alert output of the apparatus.
 9. The apparatus ofclaim 1 wherein: one of the plurality of inputs to receive real-timevoice signals from a person entering a work area in the oil fieldsystem; the processor to voice recognize the voice signal to identifythe person; and the processor to log the person's entry into the workarea and a current date and time in a log in the memory.
 10. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising: an extendable tether tomaintain a signal connection between the apparatus and the oil fieldsystem after the mechanical release mechanism has been triggered.
 11. Amethod comprising: receiving an oil field system signal by a releasableapparatus attached to an oil field system; digitizing the oil fieldsystem signal by the releasable apparatus to produce a digitized signal;storing the digitized signal in a memory in the releasable apparatus;forwarding the digitized signal to a location remote from the oil fieldsystem by the releasable apparatus; determining from the digitizedsignal that a failure in the oil field system has occurred and, inresponse: releasing the releasable apparatus from the oil field system;retrieving the releasable apparatus; extracting the digitized signalfrom the memory in the releasable apparatus; using the digitized signalto analyze the failure in the oil field system.
 12. The method of claim11 further comprising: determining based on the digitized signal that amilestone in a plan stored in the memory has been met and, in response:decimating data regarding the oil field system stored in the memory butleaving enough data in the decimated data from which a primary set ofconditions of the oil field system can be evaluated.
 13. The method ofclaim 11 further comprising: storing a plan to be followed by the oilfield system in the memory, the plan comprising a milestone, theaccomplishment of which can be identified using a milestone set ofdigitized signals; the milestone set of digitized signals comprising avoice input through which a public address system can be accepted,digitized, and stored in the memory.
 14. The method of claim 11 furthercomprising: storing a plan to be followed by the oil field system in thememory, the plan comprising: a milestone; a task, the accomplishment ofwhich can be identified using a milestone subset of the stored inputs,to be accomplished to achieve the milestone; a deadline by which thetask is to be accomplished; monitoring the milestone subset of storedinputs to determine that the task has not been accomplished by thedeadline and, in response, to provide an alert through an alert outputof the apparatus.
 15. The method of claim 11 further comprising:receiving by the releasable apparatus real-time voice signals from aperson entering a work area in the oil field system; voice recognizingthe voice signal to identify the person; and logging the person's entryinto the work area and a current date and time in a log in the memory.16. A computer program, stored in a computer-readable tangible medium,the program comprising executable instructions that cause a computer to:receive an oil field system signal by a releasable apparatus attached tothe oil field system; digitize the oil field system signal by thereleasable apparatus to produce a digitized signal; store the digitizedsignal in a memory in the releasable apparatus; forward the digitizedsignal to a location remote from the oil field system by the releasableapparatus; determine from the digitized signal that a failure in the oilfield system has occurred and, in response: release the releasableapparatus from the oil field system; retrieve the releasable apparatus;extract the digitized signal from the memory in the releasableapparatus; use the digitized signal to analyze the failure in the oilfield system.
 17. The computer program of claim 16 further comprisingexecutable instructions that cause the computer to: determine based onthe digitized signal that a milestone in a plan stored in the memory hasbeen met and, in response: decimate data regarding the oil field systemstored in the memory but leaving enough data in the decimated data fromwhich a primary set of conditions of the oil field system can beevaluated.
 18. The computer program of claim 16 further comprisingexecutable instructions that cause the computer to: store a plan to befollowed by the oil field system in the memory, the plan comprising amilestone, the accomplishment of which can be identified using amilestone set of digitized signals; the milestone set of digitizedsignals comprising a voice input through which a public address systemcan be accepted, digitized, and stored in the memory.
 19. The computerprogram of claim 16 further comprising executable instructions thatcause the computer to: store a plan to be followed by the oil fieldsystem in the memory, the plan comprising: a milestone; a task, theaccomplishment of which can be identified using a milestone subset ofthe stored inputs, to be accomplished to achieve the milestone; adeadline by which the task is to be accomplished; monitor the milestonesubset of stored inputs to determine that the task has not beenaccomplished by the deadline and, in response, to provide an alertthrough an alert output of the apparatus.
 20. The computer program ofclaim 16 further comprising executable instructions that cause thecomputer to: receive by the releasable apparatus real-time voice signalsfrom a person entering a work area in the oil field system; voicerecognize the voice signal to identify the person; and log the person'sentry into the work area and a current date and time in a log in thememory.